when publisher expires what do I use?

Good day @Jody Anderson, and I appreciate the clear explanation of your concern.   

I understand how inconvenient it is to hear that Publisher is being retired. Unfortunately, Microsoft has shared that, in order to focus on delivering new benefits and improvements, some products and features are occasionally retired.  

Below is some information you may find helpful as the retirement approaches: 

Note: You can refer to this information in Q&A Assist; however, I’ve highlighted some key points below for your convenience. 

• You’ll still be able to open, edit, and save your existing Publisher files until October 2026:   

During this time, Publisher will continue to work as usual and all your existing files will remain accessible.   

After October 1, 2026, Publisher will no longer be supported and it will be removed from Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Perpetual versions (like Office LTSC 2021) also lose support at that time.   

Unfortunately, there’s no option to revert or re-enable Publisher once it’s retired.   

• If you have a standalone version of Publisher, you may keep using it beyond this date. 

However, please note that after October 1, 2026, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or technical support. The software will still function, and your existing documents will remain accessible.   

That said, using an unsupported version may lead to security vulnerabilities and compatibility challenges over time. 

• Prepare your Publisher files before October 2026. 

To ensure you continue to access your documents without interruption, I recommend converting your existing Publisher files to another format before October 2026: 

Step 1: Convert Publisher files to PDF 

Open your Publisher file. 

Select File, then choose Save As. 

Choose the location where you would like to save the file. 

In the file type dropdown, select PDF. 

Click Save. 

Step 2: Convert Publisher files to Word via PDF 

Open Microsoft Word. 

Select File, then choose Open. 

Browse and select the saved PDF file. 

Click OK when prompted. 

The file will open as a Word document and can be edited. 

Note: The converted Word document is optimized for text editing. Because of this, the layout may not match the original Publisher file exactly, especially if the document includes complex graphics or formatting. 

• You can transition your workflows to other Microsoft 365 apps:   

In the official Microsoft support article: Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 - Microsoft Support, you’ll also find a section highlighting recommended alternatives to Microsoft Publisher. This resource can help you explore options that best fit your future publishing needs.     

If you’re looking for future-ready alternatives, here are some excellent options:   

• Affinity Publisher (by Canva): A one-time purchase offering robust layout features such as master pages, bleed settings, styles, and PDF/X export. Ideal for multi-page booklets with full text and graphic control.   
• Adobe InDesign: The industry standard for professional layout and booklet production. Includes a native “Print Booklet” feature for automated page imposition, bleed, and printer marks.   

Note: These apps are shared by the community for your convenience and are provided by third parties. They are not managed, developed, or verified by Microsoft. I can't guarantee the quality, safety, or suitability of the apps, or any content or software they may include. Please review them carefully and ensure you understand any potential risks before using them. 

I completely understand that the upcoming retirement of Publisher may cause disruption and impact your existing workflows. It’s not just about visual differences; these differences can genuinely affect how smoothly you work and navigate your day. 

I’m really sorry, I know this isn’t the outcome you were hoping for. As a forum moderator, I hope you understand that I don’t have the ability to modify or escalate product issues directly. However, I strongly recommend submitting your feedback through the Ideas · Community. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.  

Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility. If you prefer, I can also submit this great idea on your behalf. Just let me know, and I’ll post it for you and share the link once it’s published. I’m here to help ensure your feedback gets the attention it deserves. 

Additionally, as other users have raised similar concerns and may not be aware of where to share their feedback, I hope this response helps clarify the situation and suggests a potential next step. Highlighting this information can make it more visible to others in the community who may be facing the same issue, making it easier for them to find guidance and contribute their feedback as well. 

Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern. 

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